8 Simple Reminders For Motorcyclists When Driving During the Winter

Kids maybe excited for winter, as they are ready to build their own snowman. However, this season can be a total dread for motorcyclists. It is hard to drive their bikes at these times, just as if the others would feel when they are driving their car. Aside from the difficulty of maneuvering the vehicle, bikers cannot escape the cold. It is doubled or even tripled since they are exposed to open air. If they are caught in between the blizzard, they will be most affected by its harshness simply because what they have on is only their bodily protective gear. Sometimes, that cannot be enough.

That is why during these times, it is important to learn how to drive safely. Any motorist should know that this is not the time to show-off their ability to ride or satisfy their need for speed. As much as possible, extra precautions should be taken to avoid mishaps during this time. Here are some of the few reminders:

1. Before getting into the vehicle always, check the vehicle for functionality. Ensure that the breaks are working and the tires have properly inflated.

2. Wear a special type of protective gear. Your usual summer jackets or gloves will not work. You have to put on something thicker. Look for winter motorcycle gloves, jackets other than leather and other clothing to protect your lower body when you ride.

3. As much as possible, avoid driving your motorcycles during this time. The best way is to winterize it or store it properly.

4. Know your route for the day. Since wet roads make it more difficult for you to drive, as much as possible follow one route, which you think you are more comfortable with.

5. Learn to drive slowly. It should be enough for you to control your vehicle. Do defensive driving as always. The road itself is already difficult to drive with. Therefore, you should not be seeking trouble for yourself by being too complacent especially you have the smaller vehicle.

6. Since wind is your enemy at this time, make sure you get a windshield for your motorcycle. If you are not used to it, for now you do not have any other option. If this is your primary vehicle, then you should be ready for heavy blows through this.

7. Condition yourself before you go out. You need to hydrate yourself and eat right so that your body can survive the temperature outside. It is not enough that you cover up with special jackets and winter motorcycle gloves. You should have the stamina and the energy to drive.

8. Learn to read weather forecast or even listen to the news for any updates. If the weather is expected to worsen for the day, it is either you stay indoors or make sure you know when to get back before any snow storms occur.

It is important for you to be extra cautious at this time. Accident rates are already high even without winter. Therefore, you should learn to use your better judgment on when you should be going out for a ride.

The Importance of Wearing Protective Motorcycle Clothing

It is often under estimated the importance of wearing the correct type of motorcycle clothing from gloves through to boots and even the correct garments underneath. Most motorcyclists know the importance of wearing a helmet but there are still some that do not wear adequate clothing on the rest of their body.

Leathers come in a wide range of styles to suit the bikes, riders and different needs and situations. The leather used for motorcycle gear is a very tough form of leather to give maximum protection. All aspects of the suit or separate are tested from the seams to the zips to check for tearing, impact abrasion, cut and burst resistance. Armour for extra protection is inserted into the shoulder area, back, hips, knees and elbows. Leather is the most traditional form of motorbike clothing but even that has advanced in recent years. Kangaroo skin is now used, especially for race suits, as it gives great protection and maximum comfort. The kangaroo skin moulds to the body ergonomically with great movement which is why it is so popular when in a racing position.

Specialist motorcycling clothing has really gone forward during the past few years with advances in manufacturing techniques, materials and product development. Leather used to be the only material for motorcycling clothing but there are now a choice of materials including nylon and Kevlar. These materials are much lighter than leather making them more comfortable whilst riding but they are also far better for protection against the weather. The ballistic nylon and Kevlar materials have fantastic anti abrasion properties. These materials took over 1700 cycles on an abrasion test before failure. If you put that against a pair of jeans which failed after 50 cycles, it is evident the importance of such protective clothing.

Ballistic nylon (e.g. Cordura) and Kevlar materials keep warmth in when needed but also allow vents in the design of the garment to let air in when it is hot. Textile garments dry out much faster than leathers so when touring, clothing made from these materials are a good idea. Many of the top motorcycle clothing brands do both leather and textile ranges.

Another major point is the importance of the correct size of clothing, helmets and accessories. A helmet that is too big can cause injury in the event of an accident and also distract the rider whilst riding. An ill-fitting jacket can also cause injury especially is the armour dislodges. Wind noise caused by a baggy jacket is another distraction along with another consequence, wind drag.

Protective Clothing For Motorcyclists

Motorcycles are seen on the street more and more these days thanks to gas prices and their better fuel efficiency. But safety should be the first thing considered when thinking of purchasing a motorcycle, not fuel costs.

The chances of being in a crash on a motorcycle verses an automobile are significantly higher. You can reduce your chances of an accident or serious to fatal injury by taking safety precautions every time you ride.

The biggest problem when riding a motorcycle is that it is difficult for other traffic to see you. One of the most common factors found in a motorcycle accident is the fact that the other person simply did not see the motorcyclist. Wearing equipment for increased visibility is a must.

Your head arms and legs are the most often injured in a crash. Besides wearing a helmet, which is an obvious choice for safety on motorcycles, wearing a good motorcycle jacket is recommended. The jacket should be made out of a strong fabric such as leather and should include heavy padding on the elbow, spine and shoulder areas. Additionally, if the jacket has some sort of reflective property, it is a great choice. You may have to try several on to find one that feels right.

Pants and riding suits can help protect your other limbs. Many riders wear jeans, but it is worth the investment to buy pants made specifically for motorcycle riders. Gloves also should be worn and should be done so regardless of the weather. Make sure you choose gloves that are not only comfortable to wear, but that they have a good grip as well.

Protective boots that have a short heal will allow you to still put your feet on the motorcycle peg while still offering good foot support. If you choose boots that are taller, it can offer good ankle protection as well. Leather is always a great choice for boots, but also look for a good rubber sole that will help provide traction.

Dress for safety and your chances of being involved in an accident where you are not seen are lessened.